Happy (belated) 456th Willy.

From cathtatecards.com

April 23rd is Shakespeare’s official birthday. He was born in April 1564 and while there is uncertainty about the exact date, he definitely died on that date in 1616 and a convenient legend may have been established since April 23rd is also the feast day of St. George, patron saint of England (among other places).

Shakespeare was no stranger to pandemics and plagues. He may have written King Lear while in quarantine. Theatres were closed over a five-year period beginning in 1603 so the current pandemic, while a lot less deadly, would be familiar to him.

Here in Weston, we have an organization dedicated to bringing Shakespeare’s works to young people, Shakespeare in Action. SIA is one of the two anchor artistic organizations resident in the Weston Hub. They are currently organizing an activity open to all but aimed at people over the age of 55.

Read on below:

Did you know Shakespeare wrote his play King Lear in quarantine? Come join Pete Smith and Shakespeare in Action in our free online drop-in story-telling workshop for folks over 55. Tell a story. Tell your story.

Using Shakespeare’s King Lear as a springboard, you’ll receive guidance, be offered tools, and be inspired, to write, and tell compelling personal and fictional tales.

Through this story-sharing, we hope to create an ensemble and collect stories to turn into a community-based theatre production when social distancing is a thing of the past.

When: Mondays @ 10am – 11am

Dates: May 4th – Jun 1st, 2020 *excluding May 18th*Where: Zoom

Who: Priority for folks over 55 living in York South – Weston, but also open to anyone of any age who wants to be part of this project.

How: If you’re over 55, Email Danna at York West Active Living Centre at [email protected] or click the links below.